Brand new full-length from Music From Memory supergroup Gaussian Curve. What started as an incidental jam session between three international musicians affiliated with the Amsterdam label has culminated in a second outing off the strength of the first, 2014’s Clouds. On The Distance, the trans-generational supergroup consisting of Italian ambient hero Gigi Masin, Melody As Truth boss Jonny Nash and Dutch DJ and producer Young Marco (Dekmantel, Safe Trip) serve up 8 more slices of rustic new age on their sophomore outing for one of the most consistent labels around. The songs found on The Distance cover much of the same ground as Clouds. Masin’s synth work is, not-surprisingly, the star of the show here, and he shines whether he’s simply laying down humble textures or rinsing the timeless electric piano vamps of “Clouds” (“Dancing Rain”, “Ceremony”). Jonny Nash’s subtle guitar licks manage to enhance the songs, even for someone like myself who scoffs at the the prospect of having to listen to a guitar record. Marco’s drum machine parts transform what might otherwise be ordinary spa music into a moody downtempo night drive (“The Distance”). A look at the gear list on the back of the sleeve had me wishing I hadn’t traded my Korg Poly800 for a Roland Alpha Juno, and that maybe I too could be churning out world class ambient synth pieces if only I had the right gear, until I realized the Juno was on the list as well. SMH.

• music label: Music From Memory 2017

reviewed by dj winyl destination 05/2017